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News: Up to speed: New baby for X family

The BMW X5 is a tall four-wheel-drive version of the 5-series. Logically, the new X3 is its equivalent, one size below: a raised 4x4 3-series. The smaller SAV — sports activity vehicle — makes its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September and will be available here next spring.

Its sharp lines, mixed with curves and concave surfaces, are more in keeping with the forthcoming BMW 1-series than the current 3-series saloon and estate. Ultimately a variety of engines will be offered but initially the choice will be between 3 litre petrol and diesel sixes, with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Like the X5, this is a tall four-wheel-drive vehicle intended more for road use than off-road excursions. Even so, BMW claims that the X3’s electronically controlled xDrive four-wheel-drive system is in advance of all of its rivals, shifting the engine’s output between front and rear wheels the instant either